Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA) - Fluent in German - Remote

Major, Lindsey & Africa; United States; Remote; GBP 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Major, Lindsey & Africa is assisting an international manufacturer to appoint an Interim Regional General Counsel for Europe, Middle East and Africa. The role is remote across Europe, requiring 15+ years in-house experience and fluency in German and English.

You will lead legal support across Europe, negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements, advise on regulatory and cross-border issues, and partner with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' PQE with in-house experience.
• Multinational/European regulatory exposure.
• Experience with cross-border commercial matters is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal support for Europe, advising senior stakeholders on strategic issues.
• Review complex commercial agreements, distribution and procurement contracts.
• Provide regulatory and compliance guidance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee cross-border operations and subsidiary matters as needed.
• Collaborate with an international legal team in a lean, business-focused function.

Skills

In-house experience

Senior leadership

German language

English language

Job description

Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA) | Fluent in German | 6-Month Contract

An international market-leading manufacturer operating across multiple industrial sectors is seeking an experienced interim Regional General Counsel to provide legal leadership across Europe. With a heritage spanning more than 100 years, the business combines the stability of an established global organisation with the pace and entrepreneurial culture of a company that has grown significantly through acquisitions.

This is a senior legal role supporting commercial operations across EMEA, acting as a key strategic adviser to the business on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters.

The Role

• Lead legal support across Europe, partnering with senior business stakeholders on strategic and day-to-day matters.
• Advise on complex commercial agreements, distribution arrangements, procurement contracts and customer negotiations.
• Provide practical guidance on regulatory and compliance issues, identifying risks and delivering commercially focused solutions.
• Support cross-border operations, including matters relating to subsidiary management and movement of goods across multiple jurisdictions.
• Work closely with an established international legal team, with potential oversight of other lawyers within the region depending on business needs.
• Operate in a lean, highly collaborative legal function.

The Environment

• Global manufacturing business with a strong international footprint.
• Entrepreneurial and low-hierarchy culture where lawyers are expected to be hands-on and commercially minded.
• Fast-moving environment shaped by recent acquisitions and ongoing integration projects.
• Highly visible role with regular interaction with senior leadership teams across the region.

Candidate Profile

• 15+ years' PQE with significant in-house experience, ideally at General Counsel or Deputy GC level.
• Strong background supporting multinational businesses across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Manufacturing, industrial, engineering, life sciences or chemicals sector experience would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to operate independently and provide pragmatic commercial advice with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and navigating cross-border legal issues.
• Familiarity with supply chain, distribution, logistics or flow-of-goods matters is highly desirable.
• Both German and English required.
• Initial 6-month assignment.
• Fully remote opportunity, with flexibility on location across Europe.
• Immediate or short-notice availability preferred.
• Handover period available depending on timing of appointment.

This position would suit a seasoned interim legal professional who enjoys stepping into complex international environments, quickly building credibility with stakeholders and delivering practical, business-focused legal support from day one.